Two Rhode Island players signed professional football contracts this spring. Linebacker Andrew Bose signed with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens and running back Lyle McCombs joined the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League.

It is the first time since 2000 that the Rams have simultaneously had an active player in both the NFL and CFL. In 2000, defensive tackle Frank Ferrara ’99 was with the NFL’s New York Giants, while running back James Jenkins ’99 and center John Bush ’02 were both with the Toronto Argonauts.

“I am extremely excited,” Bose said about signing with the Ravens. “Just to get an invitation to the rookie camp was a major accomplishment. To be offered a spot on the 90-man roster and given a chance to make the final roster, that is an incredible opportunity.”

A three-time CAA Football All-Conference selection at Rhode Island, Bose earned first-team honors in 2014 after leading the conference in tackles with 125. He finished his career seventh in Rhode Island history with 295 career tackles and was eighth in program history with 28.5 tackles for losses.

McCombs, who played one season with the Rams as a graduate student, signed with Toronto in mid-May and made his professional debut in a preseason game against Winnipeg. McCombs led Rhode Island with 663 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground in 2014. On Nov. 15 at Stony Brook, McCombs became just the third player in program history to rush for 200 yards in a single game, finishing with 202.

“It’s a blessing to get the opportunity to play football professionally in the CFL,” McCombs said. “My experiences playing at the University of Rhode Island played a part in me getting the opportunity, and for that I’m thankful.”